F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Ferrari and Marchionne wrong to hold F1 to ransom - Horner

Christian Horner is calling out Ferrari boss Sergio Marchionne for holding Formula 1 to ransom amid talks over the sport's future regulations.

The Red Bull boss has expressed his disapproval in Ferrari's hard stance against Formula 1's management, but also against Marchionne's claim that Liberty Media knows nothing about F1 technology.

As a reminder, former Ferrari and Mercedes tech chief Ross Brawn, and man whose outstanding competence and expertise no one would have the gall to doubt, is leading the change on Formula 1's technical and sporting fronts.

"I think that's disrespectful to Ross Brawn, one of the most successful engineers in F1 history," Horner told Spain's El Confidencial.

"I think Liberty has a good understanding of the business and it's up to them to decide what's best."

Ferrari and Mercedes have expressed their doubts about the post-2020 engine and regulation framework tabled by Brawn and Liberty last November.

While Mercedes has adopted a conciliatory tone, Ferrari has threatened to pull out of Grand Prix racing altogether if Liberty forces through its current plans for the future.

"It might be bad for us or Ferrari or Mercedes, but it's Liberty who must decide what they want formula one to be," Horner said.

"It's inevitable that there are going to be two battlefields," he continued.

"FOM and the FIA are going to make the rules, and then it's up to the teams to decide if they want to be part of it or not."

And from that perspective, Horner said Red Bull will leave the regulation makers to it.

"We're not going to have any influence," he said. "This world championship is managed by the FIA and FOM and it's their job to know what they want.

"Of course everyone wants Ferrari to continue, and it's fantastic fighting against such an iconic team. But it's wrong to hold F1 to ransom in that way," Horner said.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

12 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

13 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

15 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

16 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

18 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

19 hours ago